I’ve been somewhat stymied while trying to get the costume together. I thought I had more left over leather bits & things to use but it turns out that I didn’t.  :pinch:  So I’d been wracking my head what else I could use and that I had to hand.

The answer wasn’t pretty and didn’t fit at all with my visualization. :pouty:

But…..sometimes things just work out.

I’d forgotten that this past weekend was when the Miniatura show was supposed to be on here at the NEC.  I’d mentioned it to Mark a while ago (and we’d decided we were going to try to get to it instead of the usual collector’s fair). I’d thought it would be a great place for us to go and get some ideas & thoughts & inspiration.

So we trekked on over to Birmingham and the show.

I have very mixed reactions about it.

On one hand it was really nifty. I saw lots of amazing stuff, with real craftsmanship that made me just sigh and go wow. But I saw a lot of things that I really can’t imagine people buying (or wanting to buy).  And I have to admit to a sense of nagging irritation.

Why?

Because there is such a plethora of supplies, props & things that are all readily available for 1/12 scale. And actually even a good amount for 1:48 & 1:44.  I saw some really great things I would totally die to have be available in 1:6. From buildings to garden features, to awesome furniture to blown glass accessories and the like.

And the truth of the matter is that it doesn’t seem likely that the 1:6 hobby will ever be to that stage–of so much available.

I spoke to some of the vendors/artists and every one that I talked to never seemed to even think about the fact that there is a 1:6 hobby out there.  I got a lot of  “But why that scale? 1:12 is so versatile!” to which I answered that I have a number of highly articulated & detailed dolls & action figures–I use them in my room-sets. I don’t feel that there is anything comparable to them in 1:12.

Boy, I didn’t exactly ruffle feathers but I sure did feel like something of a freak.

So again, why is it acceptable to collect and play in 1:12?  What makes that so different from 1:6?

I tried to take some photos while I was at the show but I got my hands smacked a couple of times & figured to hell with it.

Anyway…

I’ve come away with some ideas and a small piece of leather from one of the many (I do mean many)ideas. Sure, I won’t be able to try out most of them til I’m home back in the states & with some room to spare. But I look forward to that.